Joe is actually excited about the possibilities after reading this ugly stat.
We all know former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales liked to run the ball. And Joe is guessing, so too did opposing defensive coordinators.
Noted handicapper turned stathead Warren Sharp revealed a stat about last year’s Bucs offense that is disturbing on face value, but upon further reflection gives Joe hope.
When the Bucs decided to run on first downs, the Bucs offense was not very productive. In fact, the Bucs offense was downright sad.
Would you believe the turrible Dixie Chicks had (slightly) better offensive production when running on first down than the Bucs? Or even the Will Levis-led Titans?
Per Sharp, when the Bucs began an offensive drive by running on first down, their chances of converting a first down to continue the drive came in at a 67 percent clip. That was tied with the awful Commandos, the Raiders and the slimy Saints and barely better than the bungling Bears, the Vikings and — egads! — the Stinking Panthers, the worst team in the NFL.
So why does this give Joe reason for hope, even though that is a terrible word? Well, the guy who loved to pound the ball with the league’s worst rushing offense is gone. Canales is with Carolina now.
So with a former Sean McVay disciple, Liam Coen, now running the show on offense, Joe has hope the Bucs offense will at least be a little more diversified.
Imagine what the Bucs offense could be like by opening it up just a little and using some of the superior weapons the Bucs have on the roster?
odds of picking up at least one 1st down when starting a series with a RB-run
78% – SF, DET
77% – PHI
76% – MIA
75% – BUF
74% – DAL, ARI
73%
72% – GB, KC, LAR, BAL
71%
70% – IND
69% – JAX
68% – ATL, SEA, TEN, CIN, HOU, DEN
67% – WAS, TB, LV, NO
66% – CHI, MIN
65% – CAR
64% -…— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 15, 2024
